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What is Epigenetics? How It Works and Affects Your Skin

Ever wondered how Epigenetics influences your skin and aging? Learn how Epigenetic factors affect skin health and how to minimise their effects.

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Understanding Epigenetics

What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of changes in how genes work without altering the DNA sequence itself. In simple terms, it’s about how environments, lifestyle choices and even skincare habits could influence how genes express themselves. While a genetic makeup is set, Epigenetics is like a dial that controls the volume of gene expression, turning it up or down depending on several factors. These changes can have a significant impact on skin health, aging and overall appearance. 
 
Understanding Epigenetics helps show why it’s important to take care of your skin with good habits and the right skincare products.

The Role of Epigenetic Factors in Skin Aging

As you age, your skin naturally undergoes changes, but Epigenetic factors can influence the speed and extent of these transformations. Environmental stressors like pollution, smoking, and sun exposure can affect gene expression, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, quality sleep, and a consistent skincare routine can help preserve a youthful appearance.  

Epigenetics shows that skin aging is not solely determined by your DNA, it is also shaped by your daily habits. By making mindful choices to protect and nourish your skin, you can help slow the aging process and promote long-term skin health. 

How Epigenetics Affects the Skin

The skin is continuously exposed to environmental factors, which can affect its health and appearance. Epigenetics plays a crucial role in how the skin responds to these influences. It determines how well the skin can repair itself, combat inflammation and produce Collagen. Epigenetic modifications can have numerous effects on the skin, but further studies are needed to confirm these effects and their mechanism.
Nivea Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Expert serum and cream
Examples of How Epigenetics Changes Could Affect the Skin:

1. UV Exposure and Skin Aging:

It is well known that UV rays can induce oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, DNA damage and reduce immune responses. However, they can also trigger epigenetic changes. All these effects can accelerate skin ageing, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots, for example. Sun protection can help protect the skin from these changes and contribute to slowing down the process of premature skin ageing induced by UV rays.
Examples of How Epigenetics Changes Could Affect the Skin:

2. Pollution and Inflammation:

Pollution can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which could lead to epigenetic changes resulting in increased Collagen degradation. Regular cleansing and an intake of antioxidants could help protect the skin from some of these effects.
Examples of How Epigenetics Changes Could Affect the Skin:

3. Diet and Skin Health:

Foods rich in antioxidants help to protect the skin from oxidative stress, while a poor diet can trigger inflammation and skin lesions. Oxidative stress and inflammation may promote epigenetic changes and skin ageing. A balanced diet can help maintain healthy-looking skin.
Examples of How Epigenetics Changes Could Affect the Skin:

4. Stress and Skin Sensitivity:

Chronic stress could activate certain genes that cause inflammation, which could lead to breakouts and dryness. Managing stress helps keep skin calm and balanced.
Examples of How Epigenetics Changes Could Affect the Skin:

5. Sleep and Skin Regeneration:

Insufficient sleep disrupts the skin’s natural repair processes, while 7–9 hours of quality sleep can help support cell regeneration and healing. Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining healthy-looking skin.
Examples of How Epigenetics Changes Could Affect the Skin:

6. Exercise and Collagen Production:

Exercise boosts blood flow and activates genes that promote Collagen production, helping skin stay firm and elastic. As a result, regular exercise can support youthful-looking skin.
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4 ways to support skin taking epigenetics into account

How to Support Healthy Skin Taking Epigenetics into Account?

To keep skin looking healthy, it’s important to support the natural processes happening in the body. Here's how you could improve the appearance of your skin by following these few general tips that could have an influence on epigenetic changes:
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Eat a Balanced Diet:

Eating foods full of vitamins and antioxidants could help protect your skin and reduce stress on your cells by fighting free radicals that cause damage.

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Get Enough Sleep:

Sleep is essential for skin repair. When you rest, your skin works hard to fix damage and refresh itself. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to support this natural healing process and maintain healthy-looking, radiant skin.

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Protect Your Skin from the Sun:

UV rays can harm your skin over time, leading to wrinkles or sunburn. Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin and keeps it safe from this damage.

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Manage Stress:

Stress could encourage breakouts or show signs of aging faster. Relaxing with things like meditation or taking time for yourself helps keep skin calm and clear.

Epigenetics

Facts Overview

What is Epigenetics: Epigenetics involves changes in gene activity that doesn’t alter the DNA sequence but affects how genes function, influencing traits like skin aging. 
 
Epigenetic Factors: These are external and internal influences, like UV exposure, diet, and stress, that affect gene activity and impact skin aging and repair. 

Can Epigenetics be Changed: Yes, lifestyle choices such as diet, sleep and stress management can influence gene expression and could therefore help slow down skin aging and promote healthy skin. 

How to Support Healthy Skin Through Epigenetics: Adopting healthy habits, including eating antioxidant-rich foods, getting enough sleep and using protective skin care products could have a positive impact on gene expression and skin appearance.

NIVEA Skin Care Routine:

1. Cleansing:

Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and pollutants from the surface of the skin. Pollution and environmental toxins can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, which could have a negative epigenetic effect on the skin, leading to premature ageing. Neglecting the cleansing stage could also encourage the appearance of imperfections. A good cleanser clears these impurities without disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier, ensuring that the skin is clean and ready to absorb the next steps in your routine. 

Discover NIVEA's range of cleansers, designed to suit all skin types. From gentle micellar waters to pore-clogging cleansers, NIVEA offers a variety of products to cleanse and refresh your skin.
Explore NIVEA Face Cleansers

2. Toner:

After cleansing, use a toner to help restore the skin’s pH balance and ensure any remaining impurities are removed. Toners help refresh the skin and prepare it for the next steps in the skincare routine. Some toners contain ingredients like Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, or Rose Water, which have soothing properties.

Explore the NIVEA range of toners, formulated to balance and refresh your skin. Whether you're looking to tighten pores, hydrate or revitalise, NIVEA offers a variety of toners to complement your skincare routine, leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
Discover NIVEA Face Toners

3. Cellular Epicelline Rejuvenating Serum:

A high-performance serum is essential for targeting deep skin concerns and enhancing renewal at a cellular level. The NIVEA Cellular Epicelline Rejuvenating Serum is expertly formulated with Epicellin, a revolutionary ingredient inspired by epigenetics, to help reactivate the youthful functions of skin cells. It also contains three types of Hyaluronic Acid to help lock in moisture and smooth out wrinkles. Designed to target the signs of ageing, this advanced formula acts on 10 visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkle volume, firmness and elasticity, for smoother, younger-looking, more radiant skin.
Cellular Epicelline Rejuvenating Serum
Woman using Cellular Expert Filler Intensive Anti-Age Day Cream SPF 15

4. Moisturiser:

Applying a moisturising cream helps to lock in moisture and maintain the skin barrier, helping to protect the skin from dehydration and environmental irritants.

Day creams help to lock in hydration, helping skin to feel supple and supported throughout the day. The NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Intensive Anti-Age Day Cream SPF 15 combines Micro & Macro Hyaluronic Acid and Pure Folic Acid to fill wrinkles, smooth skin, and enhance hydration. It works to help restore firmness and volume, giving the skin a plumper, more youthful look. Integrated SPF 15 combined with anti-UVA protection protect against UVA/UVB rays,  helping to prevent premature skin aging and UV-induced damage, while preserving skin's plumpness.

Cellular Expert Filler Day Cream
In the evening, swap out for a night cream to intensely nourish your skin whilst you sleep. The NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Intensive Anti-Age Night Care is designed to firm skin and reduce the signs of ageing while you sleep. Its formula combines ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Folic Acid to support the skin's natural cell renewal process overnight for a fresh, rested complexion when you wake up.
Cellular Expert Filler Night Cream

5. Sunscreen:

Daily sun protection is crucial for shielding the skin from harmful UV rays, which contribute to premature aging and Epigenetic changes. Regular use of sun protection can help protect the skin from short- and long-term damage caused by UV rays, helping to prevent the appearance of signs of ageing caused by the sun. 

Explore the NIVEA range of sunscreens, designed to protect your skin from UV rays while keeping it hydrated. With options for all skin types, NIVEA sunscreens provide long-lasting protection, helping you maintain healthy-looking, safe skin in the sun.
NIVEA Face Sunscreens

A Youthful Appearance with the NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Range


NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Range
The NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Range is designed for those looking to support their skin’s natural renewal process and maintain a youthful appearance. It helps to nourish and smooth the skin, leaving it feeling firmer and more refreshed. 

Formulated with carefully selected active ingredients—such as Pure Folic Acid, Micro & Macro Hyaluronic Acid, Bakuchiol, and Epicelline—different products in the range feature unique combinations tailored to target specific signs of aging and promote a rejuvenated appearance.
NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Range

Summary

Epigenetics is all about how the environment and our lifestyle choices influence how our genes work, especially when it comes to skin. By making smart choices—like protecting the skin from the sun, eating well, and using effective skincare products—you can help your skin to stay youthful and healthy. With a little effort, everyone can support their skin's natural beauty by taking into account the factors that can influence epigenetics.

FAQs

What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself.

Can Epigenetic changes be inherited?

Yes, in some cases, Epigenetic modifications can be passed down to future generations, affecting their gene expression.

How does diet impact Epigenetics?

Diet can alter chemical markers on your DNA, which can affect how your genes work. This can influence your health.

What is the role of Epigenetics in aging?

Over time, Epigenetic changes can impact how cells function and repair themselves, which plays a role in the aging process.

Can Epigenetics be reversed?

Although epigenetic modifications are reversible, studies into epigenetics are still in their infancy. Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and stress management could play an important role and potentially reverse some of these modifications.

Can Epigenetics be changed?

Studies have shown that certain epigenetic modifications could be influenced by lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Factors such as diet, physical exercise and stress management could potentially modify gene expression and have an impact on overall health.

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